Progress on the facilitation of cross border movement between Lesotho and South Africa is at an advanced stage, says the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Public Safety.

Speaking at the Press Conference on Tuesday, Mr. Lefa Mokotjo said Free-Border-Movement will benefit communities of the two countries, as the entrepreneurs and public will show their valid passports without being stamped.

For the students and the workers, who will stay for a longer period, he said they will apply for permission and will be granted legal documents that will facilitate for their long stay.

"To enhance the service, Lesotho will implement the Queue Management System of which the first track line will facilitate for Basotho and the South Africans, while the second track line will operate for citizens outside the two countries", he said.

Mr. Mokotjo added that it will be the responsibility of the two countries to ensure enforcement of law against criminals who will take advantage of the movement to engage in crime activities.

Mr. Mokotjo further indicated that cross border movement will be implemented after the two countries have inspected that their laws are in line with the facilitation of cross border movement.

He noted that at the meeting held in Maseru last month, the task team made of the two countries’ representatives agreed that every Mosotho should be granted a free six months concession.

He further said that to control long queues regarding six months services, arrangement will be made to extend the services to Saturday and Sunday.

The agreement between the government of Lesotho and South Africa on the facilitation of Cross Border Movement was signed by the Prime Minister of Lesotho, Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili and the President of South Africa, Mr. Thabo Mbeki in June this year.

Source: LENA 09/10/2007